Police make 900 arrests in Sunderland crime blitz

POLICE have made 129 arrests and searched 89 homes as part of the latest crackdown on crime across Sunderland.

During the past three weeks, 32 warrants have also been issued to allow officers to weed out those suspected of involvement in some of the city’s most serious crimes.

Operation Soundwave has also led to the recovery of large hauls of stolen property, including bikes, electrical goods, power tools and knives, as well as the recovery of a substantial amount of drugs.

Last week saw a focus on metal thieves, with operations carried out across the region.

Working with the Environment Agency, VOSA and local authorities, 16 scrap metal dealers were visited to ensure they were complying with legislation and that they record the relevant information of anyone weighing in scrap.

Superintendent Ian Dawes, of Northumbria Police, said: “Operation Soundwave continues at pace and over three weeks we have arrested almost 900 people and executed more than 171 warrants across the force area.

“This is excellent activity and is continuing to disrupt those people involved in the type of crime which has an impact on us all.

“Arrests are being made for theft, burglary and shoplifting and warrants are being executed at addresses where we suspect there is criminal activity.

“Last week, we carried out an operation targeting metal thieves and this week we are focusing on those involved in handling stolen property.

“But every day we are targeting and arresting those people we suspect are involved in all types of opportunist crime.”

He added that a key part of the operation includes ensuring residents have crime prevention advice.

He added: “Operation Soundwave is aimed at disrupting, targeting and arresting those people involved in the type of crime which has an impact on us all, opportunist thieves who steal and burgle, making people’s lives a misery in communities.

“People can play their part by making sure they take note of security advice.

“Simple steps such as making sure doors and windows are locked can significantly reduce their risk of falling victim to such a crime.”